Kenneth Ralph Karriker

Kenneth Ralph Karriker, aged 87, went to rest in the arms of our Lord in the early morning of May 26th, 2024.  Kenneth was born in Kannapolis, NC on April 3rd in 1937 to Vard Karriker and Rose Nash Karriker. He grew up on Mill Hill with many wonderful friends and his loving sisters Gayle Karriker Phillips and Patsy Karriker Self.  He attended A. L. Brown High School and graduated in 1955. Kenneth worked many different jobs at Cannon Mills Plant One.  In 1969 he began working for Westinghouse Steam Plant Charlotte, NC as a Numeric Control Programmer designing turbines for steam and nuclear power plants until June 1997. After retiring, having always had a love for water, he joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary and worked many weekends on Lake Norman ensuring many boaters’ safety. He was extremely proud of the men and women he served with and the work they accomplished on the lakes.

But the true love of his life he met while cruising “Idiot Circle” in downtown Kannapolis.  Sara Craft became his bride on December 6, 1958. Their first child was Sherry, second was Audrey, third Phillip and fourth Kendra.  The family spent most of their happy lives living in Kannapolis. Kenneth and Sara were members of Bethany Lutheran Church and Charter Members of New Hope Lutheran Church in Kannapolis. Family was always important to Kenneth, and he was most pleased when they could all get together. The family grew to eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with another one on the way.  Children are Sherry Harmon (Bob), Audrey Eudy (Daryl), Phillip Karriker (Jamie), and Kendra Burgbacher (Allen). The grandchildren are Christian Harmon (Sara Beth), late Patrick Karriker, Davis Eudy, Ben Harmon (Shawna), Amanda Eudy, Bethany Rousey (Aaron), Sydney Wyatt (Tristan), and Zachary Burgbacher. Great-grandchildren to date are Elise and Wells Harmon.  Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Vard and Rose Karriker and grandson Patrick Karriker.

The family thanks everyone that has been lifting Kenneth and his family during the difficult illness. We ask that you continue to share fond memories with them. They rejoice in a life well lived, a loving family with the sweetest man they called, “Daddy.”

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Whitley’s Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Janice Kelly officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.